Secondary lip correction in unilateral cleft lips

Between 1973 and 1976, we performed 121 secondary corrections of the lip in cleft lip and palate cases; 75 of them were unilateral. Most of the cases were originally operated upon in another unit, usually by the same surgeon using a straight line closure according to Veau (1931). The result was always a short lip at the site of operation. In addition, the typical deformity of the aperture of the nose, with flatness of the ala cartilage, has been frequently observed. Various techniques have been used to correct the secondary deformities of the lip; some were modified by the author. In most cases, the Tennison (1952) technique was used with modification of the Trauner (1966) flap. The results of this technique were compared with those of Millard (1964). Other methods were used in a few cases. The results demonstrate, that by using the rotation advancement technique, better improvement of the nasal aperture will be obtained and the Z-plasty of the lip has the advantage of forming a cupid's bow. The method of lip correction chosen depends upon the nature of the lip deformity.